Bulford Mobile Dental Unit Sparks Debate Over Access and Fairness

Bulford’s mobile dental unit has sparked debate after claims it is reserved for Afghan refugees while many Wiltshire residents struggle to access NHS dental care. Wiltshire Council responds to concerns raised by Cllr Kevin Asplin.

A mobile dental unit operating in Bulford has sparked debate after concerns were raised that the service was being provided exclusively for Afghan refugees rather than the wider local community struggling to access NHS dental care.

East Amesbury & Bulford councillor Kevin Asplin released an exchange of emails between himself and Wiltshire Council after learning the mobile unit would not be available to local residents.

In an email sent to Wiltshire Council, Cllr Asplin said he had initially been “pleased” to hear the unit was coming to Bulford due to the number of residents experiencing difficulty accessing dental treatment.

He wrote:

“The number of people I know who have dental issues (including myself, I have had a broken tooth for a year) and have been unable to get treatment is legion.”

Cllr Asplin said he had hoped elderly residents, people unable to afford private dental care, and homeless veterans in nearby Larkhill would benefit from the service.

Image:(Cllr Kevin Asplin)

In his email, he questioned whether taxpayer-funded services should be limited to one group while many local residents remain unable to secure NHS dental appointments.

Wiltshire Council responded by acknowledging the widespread difficulties residents face accessing NHS dentistry across Wiltshire and said the issue remains a major concern both locally and nationally.

The council explained that the mobile dental service forms part of a targeted public health outreach programme designed to support groups considered most at risk of poor dental health and barriers to care.

According to the response, previous mobile dental initiatives in Wiltshire have also supported homeless people, individuals involved in substance misuse services, and members of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and boating communities.

The council stated:

“Focusing clinics on these specific groups is rooted in the evidence base for success, relying on strong partnerships with community service providers.”

Officials said the Bulford clinic is being supported by the council’s Resettlement Team, which works closely with Afghan refugees living locally.

Wiltshire Council added that the programme is “not a substitute for improving access to NHS dentistry for the wider population” and said it remains committed to working with the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board to improve NHS dental provision across the county.

The release of the emails has prompted discussion online, with residents debating whether targeted services for vulnerable groups are justified while many long-term Wiltshire residents continue to struggle to access basic NHS healthcare.

Access to NHS dentistry has become an increasing issue across Wiltshire and the wider UK, with many residents reporting long waiting lists, difficulty registering with NHS practices, and rising costs of private treatment.

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